Legends of Rock and Roll

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The Disc Jockey: Alan Freed
  • responsible for coining the term "rock and roll"
  • host of first major radio show "Moondog's Rock 'n' Roll Party"
  • organized first rock and roll concert, The Moondog Coronation Ball
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Bill Haley and His Comets
  • began as the country western band Bill Haley and The Saddlemen
  • decided to use rhythm and blues rhythms and instruments to perform country western songs
  • their "Rock Around the Clock" (1955) rocked the world as the first major hit
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The King: Elvis Presley
  • hung out in the black section of Memphis as a young teen
  • discovered when recording some songs for his dear mother
  • Phillips saw success in the combination of white appearance with black style music
  • became a national star with "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956)
  • featured on the Ed Sullivan Show (from the waist up)
  • was not afraid to give credit where it was due
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The Killer: Jerry Lee Lewis
  • fantastic natural talent for the piano
  • kicked out of Waxahachie Bible College for playing a religious song the wrong way
  • hits include "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin'"
  • controversial personal life: polygamy, incest, and drownings
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Chuck Berry
  • black rock and roll musician who was successful with the white crowd
  • created songs about social problems and issues relatable to the lives of all youth, regardless of race
  • greatest hits include "Johnny B. Goode" and "Maybellene"
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Little Richard
  • style: nonsensical words, screaming, keyboard-rattling, and whoooooo!
  • greatest hits: "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly"